Substance Abuse Counselor

## Description

**Help Reduce Overdose, Improve Viral Suppression, and Change Lives**

We are seeking a dedicated Harm Reduction Counselor to support individuals living with HIV who use substances. This role is part of a low-threshold, harm reduction program funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and guided by New York State public health standards.

Our approach meets people where they are—abstinence is not required. We focus on safer use, increasing engagement in care, improving medication adherence, and supporting long-term stability.

---

**Key Responsibilities**

• Provide individual counseling using motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches
• Conduct substance use and risk assessments
• Develop client-driven service plans
• Promote ART adherence and HIV care engagement
• Provide overdose prevention education and naloxone training
• Support safer substance use practices
• Conduct outreach and re-engage clients who have fallen out of care
• Maintain accurate documentation aligned with Ryan White standards
• Collaborate with medical providers and multidisciplinary teams

**Work Environment**

• Office-based and community outreach
• Field work with clients
• Team-based, fast-paced setting
• Occasional evenings

## Qualifications

• Minimum CASAC-T OR BA in social work/mental health
• 2+ years experience in harm reduction, substance use, HIV services, or community health
• Strong understanding of **harm reduction and low-threshold models**
• Experience working with underserved populations
• **Preferred:**
• CASAC / CASAC-Advanced / Master CASAC OR Social Worker
• MAT and co-occurring mental health experience
• Bilingual